Computer-supported cooperative work: history and focus

CSCW and groupware emerged in the 1980s from shared interests among product developers and researchers in diverse fields. Today, it must overcome the difficulties of multidisciplinary interaction. This article describes the people and the work found under the CSCW umbrella. Issues considered include: research and design areas, software development, office automation, small-group versus systems approach, US and European differences; and the history of groupware.<>